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Not one, but two guesthouses on the Isles of Scilly have received a VisitEngland ROSE award, in recognition of service excellence. Sylina Guesthouse and The Wheelhouse, both on St. Mary’s, were amongst just 100 accommodation providers across the entire country to be honoured this week at the Independent Hotel Show in London.

The VisitEngland ROSE awards are a new industry honour designed to showcase only the top 100 establishments across the whole country that provide the warmest of welcome – places where the owners, managers and staff really know how to “go that extra mile” to delight their customers, irrespective of their star rating, style or type of accommodation.

Nominations are triggered following the annual VisitEngland quality assessment visit and observations by the assessor, but other evidence, including online customer reviews are taken into account. The final judging panel also looks for innovation that sets the business apart. This includes facilities or services offered to make the customer’s stay really special.

The awards are unique in that recipients can advertise their accolade as long as they remain in VisitEngland’s quality scheme. Each year VisitEngland will announce another 100 recipients. Those recognised this year include 60 B&Bs / guest accommodation, 19 self-catering, 16 hotels, two parks/campsites, one narrowboat, one serviced apartment and one glamping site. Star ratings range from two-star to five-star B&Bs, Hotels and Self-catering. Every region across the country is represented, with the South West having the highest number of accommodation providers recognised.

VisitEngland’s Chief Executive James Berresford says: “Our new ROSE awards focus on areas of excellence that all businesses can aspire to, aiming to provide inspiration to all. Celebrating those who go that extra mile by raising standards, they will no doubt encourage others to raise their game.”

“We are delighted to have been awarded a ROSE award,” says The Wheelhouse owner, Dan Buffa. “We took over The Wheelhouse five years ago, and we’ve been very keen to create a fantastic holiday experience for all or guests. This is recognition that we are achieving our goal.”

Sylina Guesthouse owner, Sam Mallon, adds: “I am delighted and very proud to win this award, not just for my guesthouse but also because it helps to put Scilly even more on the map and a destination of excellence.”

“We are absolutely delighted that two of our accommodation providers have been recognised with ROSE awards by VisitEngland,” says Executive Director for Visit Isles of Scilly, David Jackson. “Across the Isles of Scilly, we are working hard to improve the overall visitor experience, and these two businesses are exemplars of service excellence. They should feel justifiably proud of their achievement; it is wonderful for the Isles of Scilly to be represented in this way.”

They join existing directors Robert Francis, Rob Goldsmith, Jon May, Oriel Hicks, Euan Rodgers, John Peacock and Sarah Mason who, together, are responsible for the strategic direction of the Islands’ Partnership. Only members of the IP can put their names forward to become Directors – and terms served are fixed at three years. Next year, there will be four vacancies on the board.

The AGM took place at the Church Hall, Church Road, where Robert Francis, Acting Chair, and Sarah Mason, Treasurer both gave their reports. Last year’s minutes were also approved. The meeting was then opened up to the public – to be able to listen to a presentation delivered by Executive Director David Jackson about the IP’s marketing and business plans for 2016, as well as attend and partake in the extensive Q&A session.

Next year, the Islands’ Partnership will continue to promote the Isles of Scilly brand through PR, social media and marketing initiatives as well as work at improving our product offer and visitor experience on the islands. Marketing will be more tactical, punctuated through specific campaigns targeting specific audiences including empty nesters and pre-school families to help fill the shoulder season. This will be aided by a programme of events also timed to encourage visitors to come to Scilly at times when serviced accommodation is known to need a bit of a lift.

Product innovation will come in the form of a new on-island Pocket Guide, whilst we will also work to improve the visitor experience, for example through more Sunday trading and an improved food and drink offering. Improving transport links and reliability is also high on the agenda.

This is Dave Burkitt and his partner Amy Cort who have won the Geographical Magazine competition to win a break at the Star Castle. The competition ran in the September issue of the Geographical, alongside an extensive article about the Isles of Scilly which focussed on lobster fishing and Scilly’s vineyards.

Dave worked for the British Antarctic Survey for almost 30 years. Most recently both Dave and Amy worked for cruise ships going to the Antarctic and the Arctic (Dave as the onboard Historian and zodiac driver, and Amy as
Assistant Hotel Manager). Both retired in 2012.

Scilly has been on their list of “must see” places ever since hearing about it from several friends who live close to them in Lincolnshire. They are very much looking forward to visiting “this beautiful and enchanting place” next year.

Our thanks to the Star Castle and Geographical Magazine for hosting the competition and prize, which generated more than 2,000 qualified names for the Visit Isles of Scilly database!

The Isles of Scilly has been named Best UK Destination for families at this year’s Family Traveller Awards. The award was presented to IP Executive Director David Jackson at the awards ceremony which took place at The Shard in London this evening.

The Isles of Scilly was shortlisted alongside a number of fantastic UK destinations including Cornwall, Northumberland, the Isle of Wight, Devon and Guernsey. The outcome was decided by an online public vote alongside an expert panel of judges which included writers and broadcasters Mariella Frostrup, Simon Reeve, Jane Knight, Editor of The Times, Sue Ward Davies Travel & Lifestyle Director at Elle and Family Traveller Editor Jane Anderson.

“Being recognised by the Family Traveller Awards 2015 as the UK’s Best Destination for Families is very exciting for the Isles of Scilly,” says David. “We’ve always known that Scilly is a great place for family holidays – children can be free and feel safe, whilst parents can truly relax and unwind. And yet there is so much for families to enjoy together: island hopping, snorkelling with seals, coasteering, wildlife safaris or simply beachcombing on deserted white sandy beaches! We’re delighted to receive this recognition; our thanks to Family Traveller and of course all those who voted for us.”

Members of the Islands’ Partnership have today been invited to attend its third Annual General Meeting. It will take place at the Church Hall, Church Street, St Mary’s on Thursday 22nd October from 11am to approximately 1pm.

Following the formalities of the Chairman’s and Treasurer’s Reports, members will be invited to vote for two new Directors to replace Alasdair Moore and Chris Gregory who both stood down during the last year. There are three nominees in total: Luke Humphries, Mike Nelhams and Sabine Schraudolph. And then, from 12 noon, the doors will be opened again so that all members of the public (non IP members) can attend the second half of the meeting which will include a presentation by David Jackson about the IP’s plans for the forthcoming year and a Q&A session.

Boating from the off-islands will be free of charge to anyone attending the AGM (including IP non-members), thanks to St Agnes Boating and Tresco Boating. (Those attending will have to book onto the services in advance and proof of attendance at the meeting will be requested from the IP.)

“We are improving the format this year, hopefully to make it more convivial to all who attend, and we hope to get a good turn out. We are particularly delighted to open the doors this year to non-members after the formal procedures have been concluded,” says David Jackson, Executive Director. “We are keen to enlighten those who are yet to be convinced of the work we do and the difference we have made, and it is also important that we listen to and understand their concerns, as well as answer any questions they, or indeed our members, may have,” he notes. “We are also very grateful to both St. Agnes Boating and Tresco Boating for offering complimentary travel to all those coming to the AGM.”

The AGM will be followed in the afternoon (2pm – 4pm) by the launch of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Programme – again open to all. Those attending will be able to find out more about the next round of European Funding for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Further details on this will follow.